Tenbury Tourism

A few weeks ago the Tenbury Advertiser ran an article about the increased number of visitors visiting the Tenbury TIC and thereby Tenbury.  They recorded 8,000 visitors, 16% up on the previous year.

When I read this article, my immediate reaction was disbelief, but I though the figures must be right, otherwise they wouldn't have been published.

Now several weeks later, I have spoken to quite a few people, consulted with the Tenbury & District Tourism Group, who represent a number of the local tourist accommodation providers, and talked with a number of retailers. They all say, that visitor numbers are down, both day visitors, and overnight stays and holidaymakers. Even local people are visiting town less frequently.

So the question remains, why do the TIC figures show such a significant increase?